Phuket –
Police in Phuket, working in coordination with Immigration Division 1, arrested a Chinese national wanted in connection with a fatal mining disaster in China.
The Phuket Provincial Police told the Phuket Express that earlier this week authorities detained Mr. Liu, 56, at a well-known hospital in central Phuket after receiving intelligence about a suspicious foreigner seeking medical services.
Chinese officials had earlier requested assistance from Thai Immigration to locate Liu, who was subject to an outstanding arrest warrant in China. Preliminary checks revealed that Liu had overstayed his visa in Thailand by 113 days.
Further investigation confirmed that Liu was a former gold mine owner in China. He fled the country following a catastrophic mine flooding incident that killed dozens of workers. Liu reportedly escaped with his wife and had been hiding in Phuket until police surveillance led to his capture.
Police charged Liu with “staying in the Kingdom of Thailand after the expiration of his permitted period”. He was transferred to Vichit Police Station for legal proceedings.
